Mary Lou Ciavarra

Mary Lou (Berardinelli) Ciavarra of Wyckoff, NJ, daughter of Ines and John Berardinelli, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026 surrounded by her two daughters and granddaughter. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Mary Lou built a life centered on family, love and service to others. Her love story began in kindergarten, where she first met her future husband. Over the years their paths continued to cross, and with a little encouragement from his sister, Mary Lou began dating Vincent. This relationship blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted nearly 55 years.

Mary Lou’s faith was central to her life. She was a devout parishioner of St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church in Wyckoff where she was often seen attending daily mass.  She volunteered her time for many years at Christian Health, where she became a beloved member of the Longview community beginning in 2024.

Mary Lou’s commitment to learning was evident in everything she did. She earned her Master’s degree from Montclair State, taking on additional graduate coursework at Cornell and Rutgers.  She began her teaching career in the sciences at Columbia and Belleville High Schools, and later taught Physics at Indian Hills High School in Oakland for 15 years, winning the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award honoring teaching excellence in 1998.  She was known for her unique ability to make science fun, famously putting the PHUN in Physics.

In her spare time Mary Lou enjoyed challenging herself and others at bridge, mah-jongg, and crossword puzzles. She was an avid Jeopardy watcher and banana bread baker.  Mary Lou also enjoyed playing tennis and was regularly seen on the courts at Indian Trail Club well into her 80’s with a smile and racquet in hand.

Despite her many interests, Mary Lou’s greatest happiness was her family. She was never one for fancy presents or fine dining; all she ever wanted was to be surrounded by those she loved, especially her granddaughter Alexa.

Beloved wife of the late Vincent Ciavarra. Cherished mother of Lea Ciavarra and Gina Ciavarra. Loving grandmother of Alexa Ciavarra. Dear sister and confidant of Lona Scala, and adored sister-in law of Barbara Pallante. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4pm-8pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff NJ. A funeral mass is planned for Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10am at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 700 Wyckoff Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ 07481. Interment to follow at Christ The King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Lou can be made to St. Elizabeth’s Church in Wyckoff saintelizabeths.org , Little Sisters of the Poor.littlesistersofthepoor.org or Christian Healthcare Foundation christianhealthnj.org/foundation/donate-online

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